Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer unveils opposition to Consumers Energy's plan to sell its dams

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she is opposing Consumers Energy’s plan to sell 13 hydropower dams to a private equity firm. In a Thursday letter to state energy regulators, the Democratic governor warned the deal would create “unacceptable safety and financial risks” for Michiganders. She urged Michigan’s three Public Service Commissioners, all appointed by her, to reject the sale unless Consumers and Confluence Hydro, a subsidiary of Maryland’s Hull Street Energy, add more safeguards. Whitmer cited prior dam failures and concerns about insufficient enforceable protections, arguing the arrangement could lead to disrepair and public liability. Consumers would keep buying electricity under a power purchase agreement, but at twice the normal hydropower price.